The iPhone SE 4 is about to be officially announced and there are already plenty of speculations and leaks. At the heart of the discussion is one central question: Will the new iPhone SE have a classic notch or the innovative Dynamic Island? At the same time, the model promises a more modern design that is more closely aligned with the current iPhones. Here you can find out everything that is known so far, based on leaks, dummy models and expert opinions.
Since the introduction of the SE series, the iPhone SE has stood for a combination of proven Apple technology and affordable prices. But one point has always been criticized: the design. While the flagship models have become more modern year after year, the SE devices have lagged behind visually. The iPhone SE 4 seems to be changing exactly that. For the first time, it will have a design that is based on the current iPhones and yet remains an affordable offering.
The design: Finally more modern
The iPhone SE 4 is said to be visually based on the iPhone 14. This means a significantly larger display without a home button and slimmer edges. This would finally make the angular design of older SE models a thing of the past. The current model, the iPhone SE 3, is still based on the iPhone 8 - with a home button and a large frame above and below the display. Although the technology inside is a bit more modern, the case looks outdated. This design decision was a compromise for a long time to keep production costs low. With the iPhone SE 4, Apple seems to be softening this compromise for the first time. The new model will probably be larger than its predecessor and will hardly differ visually from the main models. But there is a catch: some differences remain to differentiate the SE series from the more expensive iPhones.
Notch or Dynamic Island?
The biggest open question concerns the front notch. Two renowned leakers, Evan Blass and Majin Bu, disagree about whether the iPhone SE 4 will be equipped with a classic notch or the Dynamic Island.
The Notch:
Majin Bu has photos and a video of dummy models that strongly suggest a notch. The images show the front camera on the left side of the display, which suggests a notch, similar to the iPhone 14. According to Bu, Apple worked on a dynamic island design, but ultimately decided on the notch.
Dynamic Island:
Evan Blass contradicts this portrayal. He has visual assets released, which supposedly show the iPhone SE 4. There is a faint hint of the Dynamic Island on it. Blass confirms that Apple is planning this feature for the iPhone SE 4. If that is true, it would be a big surprise, as the Dynamic Island has so far been reserved for the more expensive Pro models. Which variant it will ultimately be remains unclear. For cost reasons, there is a lot to be said for the notch. However, the Dynamic Island could be a strong selling point and enhance the iPhone SE 4.
Differences to the more expensive models
Even though the iPhone SE 4 has a modern design, Apple will cut corners in some areas to keep the price low. One big difference is the camera:
- A single rear camera: Unlike the main models with multiple lenses, the SE 4 will likely have only one camera on the back.
However, there is likely to be powerful hardware inside. Rumors suggest that the A18 chip will be used, which is also used in the current flagship models. The iPhone SE 4 will also be equipped with 5G support.
Dummy models as preview
The dummy models released by Majin Bu offer the best look yet at the potential design of the iPhone SE 4. In the images, the device looks very similar to the iPhone 14. In particular, the placement of the camera and the slim bezels suggest that Apple wants to visually align the entry-level model with the newer devices. The only major deviation is the rear, which has only one camera. Again, there is no surprise here, as the SE model traditionally offers fewer camera features.
The iPhone SE 4: A new standard for entry-level devices?
The iPhone SE 4 could be a turning point for Apple's budget model. With a more modern design that is based on the main models, it will be an attractive alternative for many users. Whether the front notch will be a notch or a dynamic island remains unclear for now. However, most leaks speak in favor of the classic notch because it is more cost-effective. A dynamic island would be a surprise, but could take the SE model to a new level. The market launch is expected in spring. Until then, it will be exciting to see what details leak out. The iPhone SE 4 could be the first SE model that is really competitive in the modern smartphone market. (Image: Apple)
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